Putin is about to visit China.

The Kremlin confirmed that President Putin will visit China "in the very near future," amid reports that the trip would take place on May 20.

"We will soon announce specific information. The visit is in the process of preparation. It can be said that the preparations are basically complete, with only the final touches remaining. This event will take place in the very near future," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on May 15.

Hong Kong's SCMP, citing anonymous sources, reported on the same day that Russian President Putin will visit China on May 20, adding that this is a regular contact between Moscow and Beijing.

If accurate, this would be the first time China has hosted the leaders of both superpowers in the same month, reflecting Beijing's efforts to manage relations with both sides and position itself as a central power amidst an increasingly fragmented world order.

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks to reporters at the Kremlin on May 9. Photo: AFP

"The agenda has been clearly defined. The top priority is bilateral relations – the special strategic partnership, along with the extensive economic and trade cooperation that consistently remains above $200 billion," Peskov said of President Putin's upcoming visit. "And of course, international issues will also be a central focus."

The spokesperson said the visit was "a good opportunity for Russia and China to exchange views on recent contacts between China and the United States."

"When the US and China hold direct dialogue at the highest level, such contacts are naturally closely watched and analyzed by all countries, including Russia," Peskov told reporters.

China is currently Russia's most important ally. Electronic components manufactured in China play a crucial role in Russia's defense industry. As Russia's largest oil customer, China provides a key source of revenue for Russia, whose economy is under considerable pressure due to the conflict in Ukraine.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) speaks with US President Donald Trump during a stroll in Zhongnanhai on May 15. Photo: AP

President Trump left China today, concluding his three-day visit. While the American leader sought immediate trade victories, such as a Boeing aircraft sales deal, President Xi addressed the re-establishment of a long-term relationship and a treaty to maintain stable trade relations with Washington, highlighting the two sides' differing priorities.

Xi Jinping has coined the term "constructive strategic stability" to describe the relationship with the U.S., a clear shift from the "strategic competition" framework used by former U.S. President Joe Biden, which Beijing has been unhappy with.

Analysts believe that establishing this new relationship is a success for China, as it marks the first time Beijing has defined the relationship between the two countries, meaning that any major rift or unfriendly behavior would harm the spirit of cooperation between them.

According to CNN, Reuters, and SCMP.

Source: https://baohatinh.vn/ong-putin-sap-tham-trung-quoc-post310711.html